The Best Cheap Hotels in San Mateo, CA from ₩153,599 in 2026

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Our top choices for San Mateo cheap hotels

A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a curved wooden balcony, and a central seating area with sofas and a coffee table.

A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a central seating area with sofas and armchairs, a coffee table, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

An outdoor patio with a tiled floor, a round table with chairs, and an umbrella.

A spacious dining area with multiple tables and chairs, a counter with a television, and large windows allowing natural light.

1. Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport

East San Mateo

Cynthia

₩145,770

₩167,555 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

A modern dining area with a large table, bar stools, and pendant lighting.

A modern lounge area with a sofa, ottoman, and a fireplace.

A modern lobby with seating areas, a fireplace, and a large window with curtains.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a flat-screen TV, a desk, and a view of the city.

2. Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco Airport

East San Mateo

Lincoln

₩174,918

₩201,060 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 10 - Oct 11

A reception area with a granite counter, a clock, a security camera, and a coffee machine.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, an air conditioning unit, and a window with curtains.

A hotel with a 'Welcome' sign, free WiFi, and a reservation phone number.

A bathroom with a toilet, a sink, and towels hanging on a rack.

3. Inn@Bayshore

East San Mateo

May Flor

₩131,141

₩157,394 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 26 - Sep 27

An outdoor patio area with a modern building in the background, featuring a glass door entrance, outdoor seating, and a variety of plants.

A wooden facade of The Catalina Hotel with illuminated signage.

A modern hotel bathroom with a white countertop, a mounted television, a Keurig coffee machine, and a sign prohibiting smoking.

A modern reception area with a central desk, seating area, and a view of the outdoors.

4. The Catrina Hotel

South San Mateo

Humberto

₩133,635

₩153,599 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 19 - Sep 20

A Holiday Inn & Suites building with a prominent sign, a covered entrance, and a well-lit facade.

A volleyball game in progress with players reaching for the ball.

A hotel reception area with a modern reception desk, seating area, and large windows providing natural light.

A hotel room with a large bed, a blue armchair, a small table, and a nightstand with lamps.

5. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG

East San Mateo

Wimonrat

₩145,716

₩168,586 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 2 - Oct 3

A row of two-story townhouses with white railings, a central tree, and a flower bed in the foreground.

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a small table, a desk, a refrigerator, and a television.

An outdoor patio with a round table, four chairs, a large umbrella, and a grill.

A hotel with a prominent entrance, a large chimney, and the name "Residence Inn by Marriott" on the facade.

6. Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo

East San Mateo

shirley

₩163,186

₩187,591 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 10 - Oct 11

A reception area with a wooden reception desk, a black brick wall, and a dining area with a table and chairs.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a television.

A modern kitchen with a Coca-Cola Zero vending machine, a coffee machine, and a dining area with a wooden table and blue pendant lights.

A courtyard with a central fountain, surrounded by benches and greenery, with a multi-story building in the background.

7. Extended Stay America Suites San Francisco San Mateo SFO

East San Mateo

Woongbi

₩155,152

₩178,339 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

A spacious lobby with seating areas, a bar, and a dining area.

A hotel reception area with a modern design, featuring a reception desk, a yellow accent wall, and a ceiling with a motivational quote.

An outdoor patio with tables and chairs, a red umbrella, and a view of a building with large windows.

A hotel room with a large window, a flat-screen TV, a bed, a desk, and a chair.

8. Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo

East San Mateo

John

₩174,918

₩201,059 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 10 - Oct 11

View all properties

Top San Mateo Hotel Reviews

Stanford Court San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

"Clean rooms, no room amenities except soap and shampoo/conditioner but they did bring me slippers when I asked. No room service but you can DoorDash food or grab something to go from the restaurant during certain hours - you do miss out on the room service experience though Complementary ( la colombe) coffee and tea in the AM was a nice touch. Employees super helpful and let me borrow their personal charging port overnight when I forgot mine (another employee insisted I buy one from the hotel). Location is good, worked well for me for a one night stay for work but wouldn’t want to spend the week there. I’d go back for a similar type stay."

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"La atención es maravillosa"

Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

"Great location, helpful staff, clean room, delicious breakfast!"

Handlery Union Square Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"The pool area was beautiful. Convenient location. Pleasant and helpful staff. We could stay again. Was generally quiet."

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

10/10 Excellent

"We’ve been coming here since our honeymoon 52 years ago. We love the location, the staff, cookies, popcorn, coffee machines in the lobby. Only negative…no air conditioning."

The Marker Union Square San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

"Great hotel"

Frequently asked questions

What is San Mateo like for travelers on a budget?

San Mateo has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travelers. In addition to its well-known attractions like San Francisco Bay, this destination is home to Coyote Point Park and Sawyer Camp Trail, which you can enjoy while spending very little.

What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in San Mateo?

Based on reviews, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free WiFi and a 24-hour fitness center. Another top option for your budget-friendly stay is Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport.

When is the best time for a budget trip to San Mateo?

Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to San Mateo, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually September and August with an average temp of 64°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 53°F. Average annual precipitation for San Mateo is 20 inches.

What is there to see and do in San Mateo?

San Mateo attracts visitors with its major shopping area and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you're eager to get outdoors, you can enjoy the natural setting at Coyote Point Park, Sawyer Camp Trail, or The San Mateo Japanese Garden.

How can I get to San Mateo and get around on a budget?

Scoping out the transportation options in San Mateo can help keep you on budget. The closest airport is San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), situated 5 mi (8.1 km) away. However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can arrange flights in and out of San Carlos, CA (SQL), which is 5.3 mi (8.5 km) away. If you want to see more of the area, ride aboard a train from San Mateo Station, Hayward Park Station, or Hillsdale Station.

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Our top choices for San Mateo cheap hotels

1. Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport